The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph S. Fiala, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 414th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 26 November 1944. Having been replused in their first attempt to capture an objective, the company to which Private Fiala was assigned attacked a second time across 800 yards of open, flat terrain toward a strongly defended enemy stronghold. As first scout of the leading assault unit, Private Fiala was well in advance of the platoon when it was pinned down 200 yards from its objective by severe cross fire from heavy enemy machine guns. Realizing that the company must continue its advance despite the merciless enemy fire, Private Fiala rose to his feet and ran back 100 yards to his platoon, walking boldly among his comrades, completely exposed to enemy fire, calling to them to follow him forward. Inspired by Private Fiala’s fearlessness, the platoon advanced through the intense fire, quickly destroyed the foremost enemy emplacments, and again under Private Fiala’s inspiring leadership, advanced and captured the secondary defense positions. Private Fiala was fatally wounded in leading this advance, but his heroic action, far above and beyond the call of duty, is in keeping with the finest traditions of the armed forces and reflects the greatest credit on himself and the military service.